Tag Archives: chili

I usually make my lunches for the week on Sundays, and usually make the same thing for the entire week. I can put it together in the morning and don’t have to think about it because the prep work is already done. This week, I made a BBQ Tofu Salad and it was SO good! If you don’t like tofu, you could easily make this recipe with chicken. It could also make for a healthy weeknight dinner.

BBQ Tofu Salad

Pieces:

one package of cubed tofu, drained

4 tbsp. your favorite BBQ sauce + 1 tbsp. for dressing

one can black beans, drained

1.5 cups frozen corn

2 tbsp. chili powder

juice of one lime + 2 tsp. for dressing

2 tsp. lime zest

5 plum tomatoes (1 for each salad)

one package of spring lettuce mix with herbs (more than enough for whole week)

avocado slices (optional)

Process:

Drain the tofu very well.

In a large sauté pan, add the tofu and 4 tbsp. of your favorite BBQ sauce. Saute the tofu over medium heat in the BBQ sauce until it starts to get crispy.

In another large sauté pan, add the drained black beans and corn. Add the lime juice, chili powder, and lime zest. Stir the corn and beans on medium heat for 15 minutes.

To make each salad, make a large bed of lettuce. Top with corn and bean mixture, BBQ tofu, sliced tomato, and sliced avocado (if you wish). Dress with extra 1 tbsp. of BBQ sauce and extra 2 tsp. lime juice.

My dear friend Jen told me about a chicken recipe that she tried the other night, wondering if I could make it gluten free. Seemed easy enough. And it was… as well as delicious! The prep work took me less than 10 minutes, so it is perfect for a busy weeknight meal that you want to taste homemade. Thanks, Jen!

Honey Pecan Chicken

Pieces:

3-4 boneless chicken thighs (you could also use breasts)

one cup raw pecans

one half cup cornmeal

2 tsp. chili powder

4 tbsp. honey

pinch of salt and pepper

Process:

In a food processor or mini chop, combine the pecans, cornmeal, chili powder, and salt and pepper. Finely chop. Put mixture into a bowl.

Coat both sides of the chicken with 3 tbsp. of honey and then coat the chicken on both sides again with the pecan, cornmeal, and chili mixture.

Place coated chicken in a sprayed cooking pan and drizzle the last 1 tbsp. of honey evenly over the chicken.

I LOVE curry chicken… the kind from your favorite local Thai restaurant. I love the color, flavor, and the sauce that just goes perfectly over white rice. Here is my first attempt at my own version. Not perfect, but decent flavor. I want to try again soon… any suggestions are welcomed!

Curry Chicken Braised in Coconut Milk

Pieces:

4 chicken thighs

2 tbsp. olive oil

2 tbsp. rice vinegar

salt and pepper

one half of an onion, diced

5 tbsp. yellow curry powder

2 tbsp. chili powder

1 tbsp. ginger

3 tbsp. brown sugar

1 tbsp. dried parsley

1 cup frozen corn

1 cup frozen snap peas

2 cups frozen pepper strips

1 can lite coconut milk

1 tbsp. lime zest

Process:

In a large sauté pan, add the oil, rice vinegar, and diced onion on medium heat. Stir for a few minutes to get hot.

Add the chicken thighs. Season with salt and pepper. Crisp each side about 3 minutes, just to get the chicken browned.

Add the curry powder, chili powder, ginger, parsley, and brown sugar to evenly to each side of the chicken.

Always looking for lunch ideas, I decided to make a light version of chili using turkey, white beans, and nutrient rich vegetables. It is colorful, festive, and full of flavor. A great spring time twist on the hearty winter meal. It definitely spiced up my day!

Fiesta Chili

Pieces:

1 pound ground turkey meat

3 tbsp. olive oil

2 tsp. cumin

2 tsp. smoked paprika

one half of an onion, chopped

salt and pepper, to taste

1 tsp. red pepper flakes

2 green peppers, chopped

2 yellow peppers, chopped

1 zucchini, chopped

2 cans diced tomatoes with chilies

1 can small white beans

1 can black eye peas

Process:

In a large deep saute pan, add the turkey, oil, cumin, paprika, onion, salt and pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Stir constantly, mixing the flavors and breaking up the turkey into small chunks.